AP Photo/Bob Bird
Supreme Court Chief Justice Joseph Albright questions an attorney in an appeal brought before the West Virginia Supreme Court at the West Virginia state capitol building in Charleston, W.Va., Tuesday, Jan. 11, 2005.
Joseph Paul Albright
West Virginia Supreme Court Justice dies at 70
Charleston, W.Va. - West Virginia Supreme Court Justice Joseph P. Albright, a former House of Delegates speaker who became the most consistent anchor for the high court's opinions, has died. He was 70.
Albright was flown to Pittsburgh Friday with complications from esophageal cancer and died at the University of Pittsburgh Medical Center, his daughter Lettie Muckley said Saturday.
The Wood County Democrat first won a seat in the state Legislature in 1970. A Notre Dame Law School graduate, Albright had served as Parkersburg's city attorney and an assistant county prosecutor. He was edged out during the next election, but was returned to the House in 1974.
He rose to chair the House Education Committee in 1977, and to chair of the influential Judiciary Committee the following term. Delegates elected him the House's 52nd speaker in 1985.
In 1995, then-Gov. Gaston Caperton appointed him to fill an expired term on West Virginia's sole court of appeals. Targeted by labor groups after affirming changes to the workers' compensation system, Albright lost the 1996 primary.
Albright twice sought to rejoin the high court, winning a full 12-year term in 2000. As justice, he wrote more than 120 majority opinions. He served as chief justice of the five-member court in 2005.
Joseph Paul Albright
November 8, 1938 - March 20, 2009
Memory Book
“ Terri, through this difficult time, may you find happiness through the memories created by you and your dad. Our prayers are with you, your family...Read More » ”
Posted by: Sue Bergman - Chester, NJ
“ I was so saddened to read of Joe Albright's passing. I spent many years in Parkersburg working in the legal world. Joe Albright was such a fine...Read More » ”
Posted by: Yvette Barnes - Martinsburg, WV
“ You will always be in my thoughts and prayers. In my many years at the Supreme Court my best memories are about Justice Albright. He was my friend,...Read More » ”
Posted by: Tom McQuain - Charleston, WV
“ You will always be in my thoughts and prayers. In my many years at the Supreme Court my best memories are about Justice Albright. He was my friend,...Read More » ”
Posted by: Tom McQuain - Charleston, WV
“ Joe was a great man. I always enjoyed his quick wit and humor at market. My thoughts and prayers go out to the Albright family. ”
Posted by: Bob Patterson - Wadsworth, OH
“ Joseph III, I am sorry to hear about the loss of your grandfather! I hope all is well!! ”
Posted by: Courtney Hoard - Parkersburg, WV
“ Justice Albright was a very inspirational man and will always be remembered in my heart. Tara Harper WV Supreme Court ”
Posted by: Tara Harper - Charleston, WV
“ Sincere condolences to the Albright family. We thought a lot of Joe, and will miss him just knowing he is gone. Jim & Fern Dickel ”
Posted by: Jim & Fern Dickel - Parkersburg, WV
“ I'm so sorry for your loss, Nancie. Joe was such a great man and I'm happy to have known him. And what a lucky guy to have spent the all those years...Read More » ”
Posted by: Carlyn Rutter - Centreville, VA
“ Nancie & family, We are in Florida and just learned of Joe's passing and wish we were there to hug you. Love, Peyton & Rosie ”
Posted by: Rosie & Peyton - Parkersburg, WV
“ I was very shocked to see the loss of Joe. He was a very kind man. And most of all i will always remember his smile. My thoughts and prayers are...Read More » ”
Posted by: Stephnie R. Seckman - parkersburg, WV
“ Dear Nancie, Sandy, Debbie, and Susan We were so saddened to hear of your loss of Joe. I know how important he was to your family and how much he...Read More » ”
Posted by: Eric & Lisa Gates - Martinsburg, WV
“ Terry, Lettie, and Jay, It's been such a long time since I have seen or talked to you. We go way back...to grade school at DeSales Heights! I am...Read More » ”
Posted by: Maria Delli-Gatti Humphrey - WV
“ We will keep you in our prayers. Justice Albright accomplished many things during his life, but through it all he remained an honorable and decent...Read More » ”
Posted by: Tomas & Kali Vernon - Cross Lanes, WV
“ Justice Albright was a kind and thoughtful man, in addition to being an exemplary jurist. He always smiled and said hello when he came up to visit...Read More » ”
Posted by: Kaye L. Maerz - Charleston, WV
“ Justice Albright was a great man. I shall miss his friendly and smiling face each day. My prayers go out to you and your family. God Bless. ”
Posted by: Wanda McDuffie - Dunbar, WV
“ I am so sorry for your loss and my thoughts and prayers are with your family. ”
Posted by: Brittany Martin - Parkersburg, WV
“ Dear Nancie, We are so sorry for your loss - Joe was a wonderful person. I'm glad you can be consoled by your families and many friends. Love Carmen...Read More » ”
Posted by: Carmen & Al Manter - Ledyard, CT
“ Lettie, Teri and Jay, I was really sorry and sad to hear of your Dad's passing. I remember how funny he was when we were kids. If he touched my life...Read More » ”
Posted by: Wade Emrick - Woodbridge, VA
“ Terri, I wish you and your family much love and comfort at this difficult time. I know you gave your dad much joy throughout the years. I also know...Read More » ”
Posted by: Madonna Shannon - Marina Del Rey, CA
“ Doug and I are so sorry for your loss. You are all in our thoughts and prayers this week. ”
Posted by: Doug and Diane Swearingen - WV
“ We wish for you comfort on difficult days.Smiles when sadness intrudes. Sunsets to warm your heart.Gentle hugs when your spirit sags.Friendship to...Read More » ”
Posted by: Sandy & Bob Lessig - Parkersburg, WV
“ My thoughts and prayers are with you and your family during this very difficult time. Justice Albright will truly be missed for years to come by his...Read More » ”
Posted by: Claudia Townsend - St. Albans, WV
“ There are no words adequate to express my sympathy. I hope you and your family can remember the good times and comfort each other with those memories. ”
Posted by: Angie Wilkinson - Charleston, WV
“ Justice Albright will certainly be missed. I first met him when I came to work for the Court in 2001. He was so gracious and made me immediately...Read More » ”
Posted by: Linda Richmond Artimez - WV
“ Justice Albright was a man of integrity and conviction. A wonderful jurist, and family man. He will be sadly missed by many, many people. ”
Posted by: Dee Hill - Charleston, WV
“ Justice Albright was a man of integrity and conviction. A wonderful jurist, and family man. He will be sadly missed by many, many people. ”
Posted by: Dee Hill - Charleston, WV
“ Justice Albright will be sadly missed. My thoughts and prayers are with the Albright family. ”
Posted by: Redonna Thompson - Charleston, WV
“ Jay,Lettie,Theresa and Nancie; My prayers are with you. Parkersburg and W.V. has lost a great public servant known for his scholarship, leadership,...Read More » ”
Posted by: David Ice - Denver, CO
“ Our thoughts and prayers are with you during this sad and painful time. ”
Posted by: Louis and Xueyan Palmer - WV
“ Our thoughts and prayers are with your family. ”
Posted by: Steve Tarbett - Point Pleasant, WV
“ As a law clerk at the Supreme Court, I have always admired Justice Albright's professionalism, his friendliness toward Court personnel, and his...Read More » ”
Posted by: Bobby Lipscomb - Charleston, WV
“ Terri: Our thoughts and prayers are with you and your family. I remember your Dad's love of family and of course ND. One of my favorite memories...Read More » ”
Posted by: Michelle Filicicchia - IL
“ Lettie and family, You are in my thoughts and prayers! Lettie, please know that I am here for you... just let me know when and how I can help! ...Read More » ”
Posted by: Margaret Compton - Denton, TX
“ My thoughts and prayers go out to the Albright family. May you have peace in knowing he is in a beautiful place with God and loved ones that have...Read More » ”
Posted by: Kathy Hanlin McHenry - St. Marys, WV
“ To all Family and friends, Joe was very special in so many ways to lots of people and to our State and our local community. He will be greatly...Read More » ”
Posted by: C. M, Strimer - Williamstown, WV
“ Joe was a good man in a state that needs good men. He will be missed not only by those of us who knew him, but also all of those helped by his...Read More » ”
Posted by: John Womack - Charleston, WV
“ Hello Nancy I was so sorry to hear of Judge Albright's passing. I took care of him at Health South. He was a great man. We all had the utmost...Read More » ”
Posted by: Ellen (Lieberman) Reynolds - OH
“ Dear Nancy, We were saddened to hear of the passing of Joe Paul. He was a fine gentleman, well-loved and admired by all who knew him. We can well...Read More » ”
Posted by: Pat & Ann McGuirk - Spring, TX
“ Lettie - We know that your dad will be very missed but that many children benefitted from his reading to them and will have fond memories of these...Read More » ”
Posted by: Judith Gasser - Plano, TX
“ Lettie, My thoughts and prayers are with you and your family. It seems your father left a generative legacy, not only in his work for others, but...Read More » ”
Posted by: Connie Briggs - Denton, TX
“ Nancy and Jay, I am so sorry to hear of Joe's cancer and death. He was a brilliant leader for WV. I had the priveledge to serve with him in the House...Read More » ”
Posted by: Sandy Rogers-Tracey - Columbia, SC
“ Nancy: Our thoughts and prayers are with you . God Bless you. Sally & Roger ”
Posted by: Roger & Sally Tredway - Largo, FL
“ Dear Lettie and Family, I just wanted you to know that your TWU friends are with you in our thoughts and our prayers. I know what a special bond you...Read More » ”
Posted by: Claudia Haag - Granbury, TX
“ Joe, our condolences to you and your family. Please offer our sympathies to Nancie as well. May His peace be with you. Kurt L. and Cathy Rider...Read More » ”
Posted by: Kurt L. Krieger & Cathy Rider Krieger - WV
“ Dear Nancy and family, I am saddened to learn of Joe's passing. He was a very extraordinary judge with great compassion for those he represented....Read More » ”
Posted by: Elaine Mullins Wagner Wallace - OH
“ Dear Nancy and family, I am saddened to learn of Joe's passing. He was a very extraordinary judge with great compassion for those he represented....Read More » ”
Posted by: Elaine Mullins Wagner Wallace - OH
“ So sorry to hear of Joe's passing. Our thoughts and prayers go out to your families. ”
Posted by: Jeanne Schade - Hunker, PA
“ Sandy & Jim, We are so sorry to hear of your loss. Our thoughts and prayers are with you. God Bless! ”
Posted by: Robin & Kenny DeMoss & Family - WV
“ Dear Nanci, I was so sorry to hear about Joe's passing. I have really fun memories of when we were at PHS from 7th grade through graduation. I had...Read More » ”
Posted by: JEANIE YUNKER WEISBERG - Manlius, NY
“ Dear Nancie, It was with sadness that my wife (Forrest) and I learned yesterday of the passing of Joe. His commitment to the support of his...Read More » ”
Posted by: Bernard L. Allen, Ph.D. - Conway, SC
“ Our heartfelt sympathies to the entire family! We were shocked to hear of Joe's passing. It doesn't seem that long ago as a kid that I played...Read More » ”
Posted by: Judith and Richard Root - TN
“ Nancie and family: Morgan and I were saddened to hear of Joe's death. You are in our thoughts. May God's presence bring you comfort in the days ahead...Read More » ”
Posted by: Becky Peterson - Lexington, KY
“ Nancie and girls, Fred and family, We were so saddened to hear of Joe's passing. He was a great guy, brother and father. Even though we live far away...Read More » ”
Posted by: - Melbourne,, FL
“ To Nancy and Family, With deepest sympathy from Faybelle Coyne and Jean Cupp ”
Posted by: Faybelle Coyne - Parkersburg, WV
“ Jay, My condolences go out to you and your family. I was shocked and saddened to hear about your father's passing. He surely leaves quite a legacy. ”
Posted by: Denise Alex - Columbus, OH
“ NANCIE AND FAMILY, I EXPRESS MY DEEPEST SYMPATHY FOR YOU AND FAMILY. I AM SORRY THAT JOE HAD TO UNDERGO SUCH PAIN AND SUFFERING. ALL WHO KNOW JOE...Read More » ”
Posted by: RAY H. PETERS - MINERAL WELLS, WV
“ Nancie, We received the very sad news of Joe's passing at my winter home in Arizona by e-mails from our old and dearest friends, Marsha Buckner...Read More » ”
Posted by: JAMES E. - GOODYEAR, AZ
“ Lettie, I remember meeting your dad when you and I worked together. I was impressed that he took a few minutes out of his day to speak with me. My...Read More » ”
Posted by: Joe Wells - McMurray, PA
“ Mary Ann and Girls, I just wanted you to know you were in my thoughts and prayers today. Howard was such a card. Dad( Uncle Johnny) always adored him...Read More » ”
Posted by: Jonnie Sue (SWARTZ) Moreland - TX
